How to tell if you have Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe disturbances in mood. People suffering from bipolar disorder, a term which has replaced the outdated ‘manic depression‘, go through episodes of mania (exaggerated highs) and depression (debilitating lows) that they cannot control. Although doctors do not know the exact cause, it is believed that chemical, genetic and environmental factors all play a part. For the most part, bipolar disorder is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. If certain neurotransmitters are not properly balanced, the brain is unable to regulate moods the way it is meant to.

Symptoms

Approximately one in seven people suffers from bipolar disorder, with symptoms usually originating among men and women in their early twenties and sometimes occurring in children and adolescents. The mood swings that people with bipolar disorder cycle through are vastly different from the moods of an average individual. In adults, their manic or depressive episodes can easily last up to weeks or even months. A teenager suffering from bipolar disorder can go through cycles of mania and depression over the course of a single day. Sometimes the episodes are unpredictable and will come on without warning; other times, the episodes follow a pattern that goes along with the changing of the seasons. Rapid cycling of moods (at least four or more per year) is more common in women, children and adolescents, whereas slow mood changes over time are seen more frequently in adult men.

What is mania? Mania is characterized by an extremely elevated mood and seemingly endless energy, a decreased need for sleep, excessive irritability and anxiety, and strange or unusual thought patterns.

What is depression? Depression is a feeling of sadness and melancholy that disrupts one's daily functioning. A person with depression loses interests in activities that were previously enjoyable, is unable to concentrate, feels fatigued, worthless and even suicidal.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are seen on a spectrum from severe depression to extreme mania

Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because there is no blood test or brain scan that can detect it. It also has a long history of being either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A physical exam is the first step towards diagnosis and blood work is taken to rule out any medical illnesses, such as syphilis, which can present significant psychological symptoms. A brain scan is ordered to exclude epilepsy and brain legions, and a verbal history is taken.

Bipolar I requires one or more manic or mixed episodes. A depressive episode is not required.

Bipolar II, which is the most common form of the disease, is characterized by alternating episodes of hypomania (at least one instance) and depression. The manic stage must be present in order to distinguish bipolar disorder from standard depression.

Cyclothymic disorder involves numerous hypomanic episodes with a spattering of depression. It is usually a low grade mood disorder that does not generally interfere with daily functioning.

Bipolar disorder NOS means that the person is clearly suffering from a type of bipolar disorder but does not meet the full criteria for any of the above.

This graph shows how bipolar disorder differs from standard, or unipolar, depression ((wellesley.edu))

Diagnostic Criteria

Three or more of the following symptoms during that week: decreased need for sleep, unusually talkative, racing thoughts, unable to concentrate or easily distracted, partaking in activities with no regard to consequences (e.g. shopping sprees, promiscuity). The mood disturbance is severe enough to impair functioning and at time require hospitalization. Psychotic features may also be present.

Criteria for a major depressive episode

Decrease in mood for a period of at least two weeks

Five or more of the following symptoms present: depressed mood every day, lack of interest in all pleasurable activities, loss or appetite and significant weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, lack of energy, feeling worthless or guilty, unable to concentrate, indecisive, recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.

Criteria for a hypomanic episode

A period of elevated or irritable mood lasting at least four days

Three or more of the following symptoms: Inflated sense of self-esteem, decreased need for sleep (at least 3 hours), more talkative than usual, racing thoughts, easily distractible, partaking in activities with no regard to consequences (e.g. shopping sprees, promiscuity). What separates it from a manic episode is that hypomanic episodes are usually not severe enough as to impair functioning nor require hospitalization.

Criteria for a mixed episode

In order to classify as a mixed episode, the criteria for both manic episodes and depressive episodes must be present every day over a period of at least one week.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a serious medical illness. It can be difficult for someone who does not suffer from the disease to understand, and yet it is understanding and patience that is needed to help your loved ones manage bipolarity. A bipolar individual cannot just "snap out of it" when depressed or "calm down" when manic. It is not a weakness or character flaw; the chemistry in their brain simply does not allow it. It is a biochemical disease that new information shows may be genetic in nature as well, and although there is no cure, bipolar disorder can be dealt with by working closely with a professional psychologist or psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan. Usually the treatment plan involves administration of a mood stabilizer such as lithium or Risperdal, in conjunction with talk therapy. If a well-informed patient is kept on an adequate dose of medication and participates actively in therapy sessions, he or she can live a full and successful life despite the presence of bipolar disorder.

Explanation of bipolar disorder

As a disclaimer, I am not a doctor and am not qualified to give medical advice of any kind. The comments below, however, are a great way to share your personal stories and interact with others who may be living with bipolar disorder. For more information, and to read about the story of a fellow hubber who has battled this disorder, I encourage you to check out Why I Love My Medication? Bipolar Disorder and All of the Excuses. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder, please contact your doctor right away.

Comments

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

sending

InsasiaSic

3 years ago

I benefit from reading your websites. Thank you so much!

LYNDA BLACK

3 years ago

Hi! I'm an ARTiST diagnosed with SChiZOAffECtiVe - BiPoLAR type. I've experienced { MaNiA } , hYPOMaNiA, and MiXeD episodes - Overwhelming Anxiety - and some SChiZOPhRENiA - Like symptoms every since I was very little. It can be very challenging to live with. It took 14 years since my first psychosis to get the correct diagnosis and then the right medication and dosage. I spent almost 10 years (age 19 - 28) sleeping 18 hours a day - and that is not an exaggeration. Having a Mental illness is mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting! BUT over the last few years I'm finally on the correct medication and recovering! I know everyone's experience is very different. BUT there is HOPE! I've been an ARTiST my entire life & my ART has always been a means for me to express my experiences and share the world I live in with others. I'd love for you to please take a moment to visit my ShOP + Website at: www.LYNDABLACK.ca

Thanks so much! =)

I wish everyone struggling with a Mentall illness, peace and recovery.

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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fidela conner

4 years ago

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Annonomous

5 years ago

Has anybody had problems being on medication? I find that if I am on any type of medicine that effects horomomes I borderline lose my mind. I tried birth control pills for less than a month and it was like I was half dead. I wouldn't even mentally be there. I would use one word answers, and I could text the se thing six times in a row and not even realize it. It's like I was walking around brain dead the whole time I took the pills. Not sure if this has to do with bipolar or not. Just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences.

Boo McCourt

5 years agofrom Washington MI

Well presented hub for those wondering if they might have bipolar. Tweeted.

nidayshs

5 years ago

my friends say i am and i agree alot my moods change and i have and i dont care attuided

Dave

5 years ago

I am 24 and have suffered from bi polar now for 2-3 years, I have tried anti psychotics and various mood stabelizers, however never responded great with the treatment. I found it much more useful getting psychotherapy and cbt. Although every1 is different, I didn't want to rely on medication. I am now doing better than ever, obv still get the odd bad days/weeks. If you lie down and feel bad about it u will never feel better. U have to just be positive and keep yourself active.

Jen Stockton

5 years agofrom Colorado Springs. CO

I just completed a very lengthy and time consuming hub on bipolar disorder and when your hub was on the page when I clicked "publish", which was quite exciting seeing as how I have had a severe migraine the past four hours I've been working on this. I very much enjoyed your hub, it was short, sweet, and to the point. Very nice. :-)

hayley

5 years ago

I think i have bipoler but i dont know what to do and i dont want everyone to know

john

5 years ago

i just want to start this way by giving a huge thanks to this man DR agu for what he has just done today in my life . at first i thought it won,t work because many has failed me before but on a second thought i said let me just try and to my best surprises Micheal my husband that said and insist he has nothing to do with me and my family called me immediately this great man DR agu of aguspelltemple@yahoo.com ) cast a love spell on him and started begging for forgiveness well i love him so much and at once i accepted him back and today we are both living in pace and harmony, all the same the glory is to this man DR AGU of aguspelltemple@yahoo.com DOC I THANK YOU once again for you are worthy of all the thanks in my mouth today and forever am grateful and shall ever be to you . i also want to say if you are out there passing through a similar stuff or issues you can contact him today and i bi live him will also help you out ,

I still dont no what to think after reading this website. i dont no if i am bipolar or if im not. Im only 16 so im still young but im just not sure. The wesite had good information though.

Joe

6 years ago

Not sure but i need help. My ex-girlfriend whom we are still talking and have to because I am her boss at work. We do most of communicating via texts and the relationship has been a real rollercoaster for the year that we have benn together. She has been verbally, and mentally abusive to me and has been physically abusive on more than one occasion. I am caucasion and she is hispanic, I have had a great childhood with a close nit family in a nice area and house. She had a bad childhood with a broken family in a bad area and in apartment. Always throws the caucasion in my face and I told her repeadtly that im happy and want to show off my latina girlfriend. She had abusive relationship in past and had to pay everything for her man, She goes on and on that im cheap and dont take her on vacations. She can be nice then all of a sudden it will go down hill. She is mean to me. She accuses me of her lonliness and calls me bipolar. I wish someone can help me with advice because i want to get along with her but I dont think there will be a future anymore as gf/bf. It has been really bad since middle of july. Please someone respond to my post so I can find someone to talk to about this.

Joe

6 years ago

Not sure

Sarah

6 years ago

Great article! Although, I need help. I'm scared to tell my parents that I've been suffering with various mood swings. When I was a child I was extremely violent. Now I'm not that violent.. but I'm extremely hypo, and get happy for no apparent reason. I swear I cry every week and then go on these random highs.. then I feel depressed as ever for a couple of hours. I don't know if I have it or not... It's been like this for a while now.

Can someone please reply and give me answers ASAP!!! Please...

colby

6 years ago

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mamo

6 years ago

I think am bipolar

sometimes i feel like laughing with out no reason or something that is not funny and other times i be sad or pissed or depressed

michelle

6 years ago

My ex-boyfriend dumped me 4 months ago after I accused him of seeing someone else and insulting him.I want him back in my life but he refuse to have any contact with me.I was so confuse and don't know what to do,so I reach to the internet for help and I saw a testimony of how a spell caster help them to get their ex back so I contact the spell caster and explain my problem to him and he cast a spell for me and assure me of 3days that my ex will return to me and to my greatest surprise the third day my ex came knocking on my door and beg for forgiveness.I am so happy that my love is back again and not only that,we are about to get married.once again thank you ultimate spell.you are truly talented and gifted.Email:ultimatespelltemple@gmail.com is the only answer.he can be of great help and I will not stop publishing him because he is a wonderful man ultimatespelltemple@gmail.com

Cam

6 years ago

I think I'm bipolar. I am thirteen years old, suffer from endless periods of depression with hour long bursts of hypo mania A couple times a day. I have trouble sleeping, its 3:31 AM as I write this. I have lasted on 3 hours of sleep from 6:30 AM to 3:30 AM. For the most part I have trouble not crying or lashing out when I'm around others. When I'm expiriencing hypo mania I get violent and I don't care if I hurt anyone, and it scares me. I feel like a monster. I don't know if any family members are bipolar, my family has a thing about being perfect. Even if they did have it they wouldn't tell. I tried to tell my mom once, but since I keep most of the symptoms from my family she laughed and said it was only hormones. I don't know what to do. It's getting worse.

Jessi

6 years ago

I think I might have it cause I'm really hypper and get distracted easy and then later I'm so depressed so I don't know:(

Hannah

6 years ago

I've had a suspicion I may have Bipolar for a while now, this has made me think there's a very high possibility. I'm only 14, but I match most if not all of the symptoms. Thanks for the advice and for making it clearer to me.

Annonymous

6 years ago

Hi for any of you who suffer from Bi Polar or are getting diagnosed or have just been diagnosed. Clearly from the comments here, you are far from alone. I am one of them and it is much more common than what you may think. You are not mad, crazy. In fact your probably quite creative and intelligent. If you think you are going loopy, your not. When people are going crazy, they have no idea about it. So, rest assured which ever part of Bi polar you are suffering - high part, extreme low part, or rapid cycling or normality (you choose what normal to you is). If you were to tell me or anyone on this page what terrible thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotions. At least one of us would of had that and they are nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Now on to the part that makes you better. Never try to fight it to the point where you get frustrated with yourself. You know you are unwell and going into denial is not a good way forward. What is a positive step (and as hard as it may seem) is to go and get professional help. When you are so low that getting up in the morning fills you tremedous dread or waking up is like living in a nightmare (believe me I have been there) tell yourself their is at least one woman (me) who survived this at her lowest point and came through the other side smiling, and you will too. It may take a few weeks, a couple of months. But never ever ever give up. It may not seem like it right now if you are in the depths of your dispair. But what you are suffering from right now is not a self pity act (ignorant people say that), it is a real diagnosed and treatable condition. The brain like any other organ in your body is physical. So mental is in my opinion a term that is very out dated. If you had a problem with your liver would you say - oh my god, my liver hurts the whole world will think I am complaining and self pitying myself whilst I double up in excruitiating pain. No. If anyone says you are weak, stop feeling sorry for yourself, etc. They are people you do not need to be around. Ask for help and ask them to read up on your condition. You should never ever be subject for feeling bad about your illness. So, get support where you can and fortunately in this day and age they are providing that with the NHS in the UK and privately. You deserve the best, rich or poor it doesn't matter what background you come from, this illness doesn't choose which person to have. It just is. You only have to look online to see how many celebrities have suffered and have pulled through. I reccommend getting a small teddy ( I know it sounds a bit daft as I am 34 - but it does help) or if you are able a dog. Even if you can't do much having something else to look after takes the focus away from how you are feeling. Distraction is a powerful tool. Do not be too hard on yourself either, take each day at a time and each step at a time and before you know it, the tunnel will be over and there will be light - promise. Keep holding on and never ever give up.

Dan

6 years ago

Hi,

My Mum has been getting into these stupid moods swings. She she arguments with my Dad for stupid reasons and causes massive arguments. All day she is fine then she just throws into one. Is this bipolar disorder?

j. smith

6 years ago

You are not a doctor! Remember that!

j. smith

6 years ago

You are not a doctor! Remember that!

Mimi

6 years ago

I found out I was BP a year ago. I had a mental breakdown due to immense stress and getting into stupid situations with people that at the time I didn't see as wrong. In fact it was very bad in judgement, I was vulnerable and trusted the wrong people. I have been drinking quite heavily for years and now I know why. I have had many episodes since a major one last year which made me go to the doctor. I was petrified at what happened. I feel that admitting that I have it has made me seem less in others eyes, especially as I do not work at the moment due to stress. I am ashamed at my actions of letting others make me feel so bad about myself and for the fact I became so weak minded but you can only take so much stress in life. I was naive and nice to everyone but that left me open to getting bullied/others jealous comments getting to me. I am so confused at who I am and what happened to me. I have really fallen. I find it hard to admit change and things to myself. I seem to find it harder to accept things and move on to others. I mean by a very delayed way. My self esteem is so low having BP due to how my mind works. I think admitting it hasn't helped my self esteem nor knowing others that I should have never told know and have taken advantage of that.

Christina

6 years ago

I can understand being scared to tell your family about something that you may be struggling with. It is scary to not know what is going on with you and thinking that you may be crazy. I have struggled with depression for many years. I question if I am bi-polar but my therapist says that I am not. I do have a mood disorder. I can understand going from very depressed to having racing thoughts. It was suggested that I take medication. Medication is the only thing that has helped. I no longer have racing thoughts and no longer spends days in bed wanting to end it. People that think we just need to get over it or get back on the horse really don't understand that struggles that we have. I never wanted to spend days in my bed not wanting to go outside or spend weeks not being able to quiet my mind. It's ok to ask for help. If you are scared talk about it find a friend or a school counselor that you can confide in. Possibly a teacher. It's hard when your parents don't understand. It's not that they don't love you maybe they are scacred too and not sure what to do. There is help out there. You have to find it. Know that you are not alone.

ljorna

6 years ago

there are lots of confidential helplines where you can get help and advice, apparently they are good

Scared

6 years ago

I'm 16 years old and I think that I have bipolar and I have for a while now. I'll have a day where I'm extremely happy but even the whole of that day doesn't last in happiness, all of a sudden I will feel depressed and want to be alone and I often get suicidal thoughts. My moods can change in a split second and it takes just something small to change it. Ive told my mum about it before and she said we'd go to the doctors but we never did, she said she doesn't think I have it but in my opinion that's an outsiders view and they don't know what it's like to be me. I'm petrified in case I do have it. Even when I have suicidal thoughts it has often led me to self harm and afterwards I wonder why I did it and I know that it was a stupid thing to do. I'm scared to talk to the doctor as well about it. Please help

Worried

6 years ago

Im scared. I think that I'm bi-polar or depressed but I don't know how to tell my family, or tell them the things I do to myself, to ask for help. I don't know how they're going to react... I'm scared that if I don't, something bad will happen, that I'll finally give up and they'll blame themselves because they didn't see the signs.. Please help me..

ljorna

6 years ago

samina - i have looked up quite a bit about bi-polar dissorder and i think that you are probably not, bi-polar mood changes end to last a bit longer than half a day but im only 13 and obviously not an expert. i hope you feel fine right now. good luck on finding out x

leoni

Angela

6 years ago

This isn't about bi-polar specifically, but what kinda doctor do you ask in order to find out if you have a mental disorder? And how do you say it?

samina

6 years ago

i think i have bi-polar, in the morning i'm so high, i'm really talkative and i laugh/giggle at something pathetic, & i can't stop, near the evening i feel like sh*t, really depressed... i'm 15 years old and i'm kind of worried - should i go to the doctors?

ljorna

6 years ago

sorry dont know if last one worked : i am 13 and recently watched stephan fry's ; the secrate life of the manic depressive and lots of the things clicked. i sometimes have days where i dont want to get out of bed and almost physicly cant as if my mind refuses to let me move then a few days later im going out with freinds, doing loads of exersise, randomly writing/drawing and shouting at my mum. does anyone know if thats just me being a teenager or if im actualy bipolar? i dont want to ask my mum but wondered if anyone could give advice. also im a bit obsessed with death almost commited scuicide on more than 1 occasion and cant stop thinking how easy it would be - i would neve do it now because i couldnt do that to my freinds but still its a rather odd obsesion...

leoni

6 years ago

i am 13 and recently watched stephan fry's ; the secrate life of the manic depressive and lots of the things clicked. i sometimes have days where i dont want to get out of bed and almost physicly cant as if my mind refuses to let me move then a few days later im going out with freinds, doing loads of exersise, randomly writing/drawing and shouting at my mum. does anyone know if thats just me being a teenager or if im actualy bipolar? i dont want to ask my mum but wondered if anyone could give advice. also im a bit obsessed with death almost commited scuicide on more than 1 occasion and cant stop thinking how easy it would be - i would neve do it now because i couldnt do that to my freinds but still its a rather odd obsesion...

Ms. Sweet :)

6 years ago

My dad and sister are both bipolar. I always thought my dad had a choice in his behavior which made growing up unbearable because he never took medication! Now i see that he can't help it and its sad. I understand now and I'm glad I don't have to live with it anymore. For those of u that have it Please don't make your children go through what I did.

Haley

6 years ago

This makes me think that I really am bipolar

SSS

6 years ago

Its only when the person is ready to get help that is when you can assist them to get better, But if the loved one cannot admit that he/she has Bipolar Depression, you cannot do anything about it.

Its very difficult to live with them especially if they get aggressive and volatile.

Dana Strang

6 years agofrom Ohio

Very nicely done. I suffer from bi-polar II (just started writing about it). I even named my hypomanic state "shiny happy dana". Too bad i'm mostly depressed. That leads to "mean mommy dana" the "pouty face" and just all sorts of not good things... Thanks for putting some good info out there.

jackie

6 years ago

i really sure that i amm i have wondered why i react so different from alot of people but i want help but my mom thinks i just want attention and i try to cover my problems with a smile each night i cant sleep i get distracted andd become paranoical

It's impossible to be wrong yourself, about having Bipolar Disorder or not. If you have serious doubts because of reading this very good and informative Hub, the next step for you to take is go and talk with a good friend.

Ask this friend if he/she wants to go with you to a doctor, tell him about your doubts and see if he can send you to a psychiatrist.

The only person who can actually determine whether you have this disorder or not, is a psychiatrist who knows how to distinct Bipolar disorder from other mental illnesses.

Trust me, you'll be better of knowing if you have this disorder or not because it can help you get the right treatment for it. Even if it's something else.

Life is beautiful and there's no need to struggle too much like I have done for years, because I didn't know what was wrong.

Hope I answered your question a little bit. Good luck:-)

pscho girl

6 years ago

im not sure if i have bipolar disorder yet but, i did some research and some bits of the disease relate to me.

iv'e tried to cut myself a couple of times and had suicidal thoughts.

whenever i'm in a happy or normal mood, i get angry straight away when it come to house chores because i do a lot of work around the house while everybody lazes about.

what do i do?

what if im wrong about having bipolar disease?

Escobana

6 years agofrom Valencia

The disclaimer is a great add to your Hub and thanks so much for the link! I'm happy you took my feedback serious.

Your Hub will be a great help to everyone who's wondering if he/she's Bipolar. Shared your Hub with my followers!

Hanna

6 years ago

im definately bipolar.. i cant keep a good relationship or even good friends for long periods of time. they dont understand and im 14, untreated, undiagnosed, and dont know what to do.

AUTHOR

becauseilive

6 years agofrom N.J.

@Escobana - I added the disclaimer as well as a link to your hub :)

Escobana

6 years agofrom Valencia

Thanks so much for your answer:-)

The disclaimer would be a great idea to add and I can only imagine it's quite a job to respond to every single comment you get.

With just 20 Hubs I can still manage:-) While adding a disclaimer it would be great if you link one of my Hubs to yours.

Exactly because I believe my Hubs about Bipolar Disorder are vey helpful to others just like yours is. That's why I linked your Hub to: Why I love my medication? Bipolar Disorder and all of the excuses.

Linking Hubs tos other after all is a great way to promote their work. I'm glad you could find the time to respond to my question. Really means a lot!

AUTHOR

becauseilive

6 years agofrom N.J.

@Escobana - Thank you for your feedback. With over 200 hubs, I try to check up on the comments and respond to as many as possible. I do see people crying out for help and believe me I am sympathetic to their pleas. Unfortunately, I am not a doctor and cannot give any medical or psychiatric advice other than to encourage anyone who is suffering to see their own doctor.

I think I will add a disclaimer to the hub itself that states that :) Thanks again for the input.

Meanwhile, if you have any professional or personal experience with bipolar disorder that you think would be helpful to share with others, by all means feel free! Have a great day!

desphwf

6 years ago

Thank You !

I'v been living and dealing with my Loves one for the past 12 years. and now Iam pretty sure he has Bipolar .

its really sad he seem not to Care or worry or try to get help

He thinks is nothing wrong with him.

i really feel sorry for my self because there 3 children in This

Marriage .

I wish he Will open his eyes and see there is help for him

Because no matter what i love him for the rest of my life

:)

Escobana

6 years agofrom Valencia

Dear Becauseilive,

I'm sure you don't mean to but I've noticed in this long list of comments how you rarely respond to a lot of people who comment on this Hub in particular.

A lot of them express themselves in an urgent cry for help. I wondered why you don't respond? You must realize how important it is to people who worry, they might have Bipolar Disorder to at least feel some reassurance from you as the writer of this Hub.

I'm not saying you can save them from whatever situation there in but not responding at all seems strange to me whhen you write about an illness that can isolate so many people from the outside society.

I was just wondering and now thinking out loud. I really don't mean to be judgemental but I do feel I have to stand up for the many comments you get of people who are absolutely lost in their lives.

Best wishes from a happy Bipolar woman:-)

Desperate

6 years ago

I have had depressive episodes throughout my life but was hospitalized only once 30 yrs ago my life is in shambles, my husband says I'm an embarrassment and in the last few months I have had periods where I have spent huge amts of money on things I don't need or want. I was diagnosed last oct with a rare sleep disorder and take high doses of amphetamines , up to 110 mg each of Ritalin and adderal xr daily in order to stay awake. I have now been told I may be bipolar, I'm 53 and feel like I'm losing my mind. I don't have friends or family here as we moved to the us from my home in canada. I'm so depressed and alone I don't think I can take any more .

Anonymous

6 years ago

Hi, I may have bipolar disorder. I'm only 14 but I've been dealing with this for a year. Every once in a month, I get so incredibly depressed to the point where I think of death and suicide. I had a history of cutting before but I've stopped. During these times, I almost go back to it and take it further even. I also lose my appetite and barely eat anything and I can barely sleep. I'm also worn out but I can never close my eyes. My thoughts go crazy, I can't think straight. I can't make quick decisions and I easily lose focus. I also forget sooo many things like even speaking. This also affects my menstruation cycle. Before and after these periods, I'm very happy and lively. Does this mean I'm bipolar? Do I need help? Please help me. I can't take it anymore.

shaneT

6 years ago

letting parents into any situation that you are having difficulties with is a super idea. please take care of yourself..

lonelygurrl13

6 years ago

Well i'm 12 years old and I have bipolar but i don't want to tell anyone because i'm scared of what my friends will think and i don't want parents to know that i think of killing myself.

Tyler

6 years ago

wow this helped that much, i thought i might have it, ive noticed i get hypo and silly and meow and stuff, yet other times i feel sad and worthless... i might get checked out, like go to headspace or something to get cheacked out, i knew there was a reson for my hyperactivity and sadness!

Sam bone

6 years ago

I think o may have a mild bipolar disorder, im 15 and am very lively with my frineds but i have spells of being very depressed and cutting meself also i have a feeling of worhtlessness and even sucidal thoughts, i have no idea what do to can some please help, add me on facebook please help

Not sure

6 years ago

Im not sure if im bipolar or just having mood swings. But i go from the top of the mountain king of the world to hating myself and everyone and just wanting to be alone in the dark. Ill have the best day then one person says a tiny thing to me and i go off and get so angry over the smallest things.

I dont know maybe just moody?

Escobana

6 years agofrom Valencia

Hi there again!

Just to let you know I linked your Hub to mine to get your Hub as much views as possible since it obviously deserves that.

I linked it to my latest Hub: Why I love my medication? Bipolar Disorder and all of the excuses.

If you like mine as well, I'd really appreciate you linking my Hub to yours as well:-)

Hope you're doing great Becauseilive!

quickvisit

6 years ago

during the day i go from really happy to really sad serveral times and sometimes i dont know why other times a lil thing triggers me to feel so crap and useless and i hate myself so much. my bf has mentioned i could be bipolar several times but im not sure if it is normal for someone in there 20's university. thinking about it i have been like this since high school but i always put it down to being a teenager but i am too afriad to go to the doctor or to talk to anyone about it incase they think i am just being silly.

bob

6 years ago

Get 2 or three medical opinions. Tell the shrinks your problems thoroughly and compare their notes. It's a complex problem. Your own or other'(s) amateur opinions can actually bias a doctor's diagnosis. Give them details. Try not to diagnose the disorder yourself, give the details of your experience and let them form their own opinions.

louromano

6 years ago

Great information.

Jay

6 years ago

im 16 , and i think i have bipolar disorder...ive been researching this like crazy and everything i have read is relative to me exactly...im scared to go to a professional to get diagnosed for sure. but i know i have to just in case. nobody wants to hear there is something wrong with them...

Kim

6 years ago

Both me and my mom have the disorder. She was diagnosed at the age of 21 and I was diagnosed this year at the age of 19. This disease is so hard for people who dont have it to understand, my boyfriend and I fight all the time cuz I'll have my mood swings and he doesn't know that it's something that I can control. I think any family members/spouses of people with this disorder should read this article its very informative

Amanda

6 years ago

I have bipolar 2

natalie

6 years ago

i don't know if i have it. but my friends say it look like i have the symptoms. i will be depress one minute but then i am happy. other days i am happy but then i get mad. my friend been telling me all the things the see. can someone tell me if this count

sahil jassi

6 years ago

now i knew my disease,i thimk m really suffer from bipolar disorder,i cannot contact ma eyes with another person while talking or while doing anything.

E

6 years ago

im pretty sure ive got it, ive lost my girlfriend over being the way i am, ive never know what was wrong with me and why i keep acting the way i do, i just dont help the situation. and now ive lost everything, i feel as tho my whole life is just falling apart. im always paranoid and accusing her of all kinds, we would argure and i would be really mean then 5 mins later i try and be all nice to her, she says i have 5 different personalities, which i strongly agree on what she is saying. im so embarresd at my actions and how i act. i seriously need help because it has turned my life into hell ;(

rachel

6 years ago

im extemely hyper in the evenings but depressed at mid day does that count

Laura

6 years ago

I liked the video. Very helpful. I tend to be a social butterfly and a plain old chatty chic! I'm business it works as l use the cues and try to read others. Certainly a work in progress. So I know I have ADD at least the dr says, and it can go with anxiety - which I used to get more. But I have been in a low mood for a week or so

Julie-Ann Amos

6 years agofrom Gloucestershire, UK

Very useful thanks! I can't believe I haven't spotted this hub before, sorry.

ElephantShoes

6 years ago

For years I've suffered from depression and I've also had my manic moments. I wasn't until recently I told someone -my mother- and she is calling the doctor tomorrow. I thoroughly believe this is what I have. It runs through my family; my brother and uncle have both been diagnosed.

I know during manic periods I am very irritable, grouchy and I have a lifetime of energy on my hands. I sleep less than usual too. I've been working out for the past months too, and lost over 25 pounds. I'm underweight now but can't stop, I am usually a workout crazed person when I am manic. (I also lose my appetite). My thoughts are crazed and I'm not coherent, I also talk rapidly and ramble on and on.

Then I have my depressive stages, where I guilt myself for the smallest things like eating ice cream. I have had thoughts of suicide and I get stressed easily. Social anxiety is something else I suffer from. I don't have as much energy and won't talk to anyone! I feel so empty... It lasts for weeks on a time! I also cannot sit still, I am fidgety.

Plus, on days like today, I have mixed emotions. I am full of energy and I ramble on and on, but when I get time to myself, I'm sad and lonely. I just want to cry. I also am irritable. I feel guilty and worthless and as though I don't belong anywhere.

I have a question too, for whomever is reading this. I get very lightheaded at times. I mean very, very lightheaded. To the point where I have to sit down. Could this be related to bipolar or is it because of my weight loss?

Some days I am confident, and other days I am worthless. With this disorder running through my family, I am going to my doctor. Maybe he'll confirm that I am bipolar, or maybe I'll be diagnosed with something different.

What is it like going to the doctor to get diagnosed? Will he run tests on me or take blood? Or will he listen to my symptoms, speak with me a bit, and finally diagnose? I'm not sure...

mb

6 years ago

I'm 17, I do not know if I have this or not but what I do know is that at time I dont feel like going anywhere or talking to anyone. Other times I want to be outside having fun and going crazy. I have had suicidal thoughts before and I used to cut myself a couple months back. Right now, I feel fine but I dont know when I'll feel bad again because it wasn't the only time. I have tried talking to my parents but I am never able to tell them that I think I'm bipolar.

Kayla

6 years ago

I have weird mixed emotions like I'm never hyper or really that happy but one little thing can change my mood and sometimes I get depressed for no reason

Miranda

6 years ago

I've been wondering if I am bipolar for a while and this pretty much proves that I am. I'm a teenager, I go through being manic and depressive back and forth all the time in just a day. I can wake up feeling completely fine and happier than usual and my day can be going well and then i become really irritable right after lunch, and then I feel a mix of sorta norma mood and depression and I usually leave school with suicidal thoughts. I have actually been diagnose with ADHD and am on a med for that but a lot of times i have to change my dosage because it seems like it stops working and i think some of my distraction issues and being hyper may be coming from being bipolar. Thank you for the article, now I have proof and can hopefully convince my mom to get me some help.

Andrea

6 years ago

Like others,

I think I am bipolar. I'm 13, and I have like all the symptoms like for being Hypomanic and Depression? But I dont want anyone to know because they'll think I just want attention or they'll say theres nothing wrong, but I feel like somethings wrong though, so I'm hiding it, but I dont think I can any longer -____- Probably when i go back to school, I'll try to gather enough courage to talk to the school counsellor?

oh and I have been having sucidal thoughts, I feel worthles and I dont know why.. I only slept for like 3 hours last week ( for four - five days ) but after that I've been feeling depressed. WHAT THE HEELLL. I was talking about suicidal thoughts,, I looked for pills!! to kill myself with! and I took a knife and tried to cut myself! But I couldnt, i didnt want to.. /: now I'm all confused and I have absolutely nooo idea what to do.

John

6 years ago

i live with this and is crazy for me and for my family!!!

trina maxey

6 years ago

I've been misdiagnoised for most of my life. I'm 43 years old. Found out antidepressants make me much worse. Finally found a psyciatrist who put me on Risperdal. Now I feel perfectly normal. I have 3 kids. All 3 have some type of mood disorder. One refuses help. 2 are on meds. Grandparents think I'm crazy for puting my kids (12 and 14) on medicine. If they had diabetes, I'd give them insulin. Why should my kids suffer the way I have. Why not get them help if they need it?

angie ashbourne

6 years ago

Hi! becausilive I have been bipolar for 20 years. I enjoyed reading your hub. Angie

Joe angel

6 years ago

I have been diagnoise with bipolar and since i've taken most the meds they given me I have become jmore aggressive

jb

6 years ago

wen i out with the lads im sort of in a gud mood and bit of a joker but really im that low all i want to do is kill myself! 1 minute im really happy and then the next im breaking down in tears!! i have such a negative view on life its unreal! i really dont want to be here anymore! if i had a gun id be gone!!! i need some serious help! ive been the docs with depression and have done acourse of anti-depresants!! and they avnt changed a thing! im 36 and things are getting real bad for me now i just want to disapear i have lots of friends but they dont really know how i feel! all they see is a jack the lad joker in the pub!!! can some steer me in the right direction asap!!

GP

6 years ago

Not sure if I suffer from Bipolar Disorder. But for the longest time, I've had trouble sleeping, I always have racing thoughts and there are also times that I cry for no reason at all. I just have this feeling of great sadness. So, am I bipolar?

Dennis Teel

6 years ago

you posters who are ant-psychiatrist and anti-medication aren't doing anyone a favor here,except bing radical. one poster claims there's no such thing as a chemical imbalance.of course there is.the problem is,this same poster comes off as being anti- psychiatrist and anti-medication. people that have formed auch beliefs are radicals who offer the notion that psychiatry isn't logical or legitimate and that it's all about deception and money.people that claim such things are radical,uneducated and don't have any business giving advice to people who need help.another poster here iimplied that there's no such thing as bipolar.i wonder what planet he's from? anyway,bipolar does exist and medication can help and does help.please don't believe people that mislead you into believeing that the only help is in natural foods or vitamins.or that there's no such thing as bipolar or mental illness.there's actually a group that exists that believes and teaches that normal is not the same for everyone & illneses like bipolar aren't ilnesses at all.that they're personality traits which are (to the person that has them)normal for that person. scoffing off bipolar to be just some kind of normal personality trait for that particular individual.bipolar exists as do many other illnesses and they're not just normal personality traits that life has handed you as an individual./THAT would be scary!!

tianna

6 years ago

I also suffer from bipolar disorder my boyfriend sometimes gets fed up with me it gets so bad at points

shannon moody birmingham

6 years ago

brairwood class of 86 birmingham al sandy moody ru 486

Christina

6 years ago

My Dad has a serious case of Bipolar and has now been admitted to a mental hospital after having a serious outbreak and getting involved with the police, this resulted in him going to prison for a few months then them realising that a mental institute would be the best for him until his moods were stabilised and until he had served his sentence for the crime he committed. In which no 1 was hurt but he did damage his business and cause disruption to everyone in the town around him. He has a history of violence and that is why my mum kept me away as a young child. However my sister of 29 wasnt and not as a direct result but it certainly didnt help in her up bringing to become a heavy drug user and resulted in being a prostitute to supply her addiction. She has turned her life around now and has a baby and is off the drugs.

Now I am terrified that I have bipolar I am at university but have currently moved away on my placement 3 hours away from my amazing boyfriend and friends! I have given it 4 months and still I have not settled I am constantly crying everyday and finding it difficult to hold back even in a public place. This is not me at all I am the life and sole of a party but I have no personality left! I am either so high and in everyone face or so low that I just want to hide away and for some to hold me. I don't know what is wrong with me and I just want to be back to normal! I don't know if i am depressed or if all along I have been bipolar and have seen the side of the manic highs and now im just on a major low and just cant get out of it! Im constantly paranoid things are going to go wrong and just cant handle the pressure of a ten hour day placement, however I have worked since I was 12 and the old me would love this job! My boyfriend just keeps telling me to chill out and things will be fine and Im fine but im not im really not!!!!

Yeahmanwhatever

6 years ago

I am 17 years old. Although I have suffered from self-esteem issues all my life, I am hesitant to say that I am "bioplar", because the symptoms don't last days. More like hours, at best. Usually, the way it goes down is that I'll be in a relitively happy mood, but then something will happen or someone will say something unexpectedly that hits me really hard. Normally, if things don't go my way I will get upset and take it out on people. From a very young age, I would cry myself to sleep (and I still do several times a month) reflecting on my past and how I've never been able to fit in.I was made fun of a lot in my younger years. Quite possibly the worst part is that in those particular instances, I don't really want to feel better. I want to continue feeling sad, because it feels good in a very strange, bizarre way. However, I rarely get suicidal, and when I do it's not so much from sadness and depression and more from just my overall disgust at the world and what it has become. I have very odd fears, as well. Most notably, an ongoing fear of sex...although that has gradually improved. In addition, I've noticed that I have ALWAYS lived in my own little fantasy world, and I am happier there than I am in real life. In real life, I am very socially awkward and often sensitive to the littlest things, though I try not to show it when I'm around people and just leave it for my nighttime tears.

But what initially brought me to this site was the fact that my boyfriend recently suggested that I take anxiety meds. I had known something was a little off about me for the longest time, but ever since I got together with him the mood swings have gotten noticably worse even though he has done nothing to hurt me. I know I'm pushing him away, but whenever I have an "episode" I lose control of my emotions and just sort of blow up. I don't really like the idea of taking meds and becoming eternally dependent on them, but I do know that my grandmother was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My mom, too, has a thyroid condition, and has suffered from a lot of stress and anxiety, which is very evident whenever you talk to her. Although I wasn't one to get stressed out and was relitively carefree before, I've noticed that as of late, this isn't the case anymore.

Like I said, I don't know if I'm bipolar or if these are just random mood swings, but all I know is that I need some help and guidance...I just wish I knew where to start looking. :(

jason

6 years ago

forever i think i have part of the samething. i just rage at my sisters for no reason i would be like i hate you. or i wish you were never born. but after i saw all that i feel nad. but yet i do it over

jason

6 years ago

forever i think i have part of the samething. i just rage at my sisters for no reason i would be like i hate you. or i wish you were never born. but after i saw all that i feel nad. but yet i do it over

jason

6 years ago

forever i think i have part of the samething. i just rage at my sisters for no reason i would be like i hate you. or i wish you were never born. but after i saw all that i feel nad. but yet i do it over

foreverhurting..

6 years ago

hey guys,

im only 13 too like as jason..and i dont know if im bipolar or just have anger problems..i can be UGHH I HATE HER..or i can be aw hello how you?..then i cn be a bitch aand want to kill yousimple..can anyone tell me if i have it or not?

jason

7 years ago

hey guys, im only 13 and i think im bipolar.

im always depressed so i hardly talk but when i do talk i usually get mad then for some reason i quickly get happy. This started happening a few months back.

jason

7 years ago

hey guys, im only 13 and i think im bipolar.

im always depressed so i hardly talk but when i do talk i usually get mad then for some reason i quickly get happy. This started happening a few months back.

Sam

7 years ago

Hey Hellooooo ,

I am 15 as well and am going through the exact same stuff. I will feel so good and content with life, and within a few minutes to an hour I may be feeling even better (mania?) or extremely bad an suicidal. It scares me because I have acknowledged that I probably have this disease and yet it is too hard to tell anyone else about it.

If you want some advice I have been dealing with this for a few years now, drop me an email: ipickcottencandy@yahoo.ca

Hellooooo :)

7 years ago

I'm 15. i think i'm bipolar :( sometimes i wake up with a happy mood then i suddenly become mad and aggressive in a while and the cycle is going on and on everyday. one second i'm happy and dancing all around then the next second i'm in one corner, feeling depressed, mad or even against the world. few weeks ago my mom even told me "maybe you're bipolar." 'cause i told her about my mood swings and of how i get happy and depressed for no reason in a glimpse. my severe mood changes are affecting my everyday life and my relationship with other people. i can't control how or what i feel. it's so hard to be calm at one point when you're mad or anything. this is ruining my life so much. gosh. i need help.

this is my twitter account- @TheDamnTeen

in need of advice,help and suggestions.

thanks :)

Conor

7 years ago

I'm 15 and I have been looking on the Internet after receiving several comments from people about my random mood swings, all the sites I have looked on and all the symptoms I've researched all lead to one thing, bi-polar disorder. I'm not sure what to do, im worried to tell my mum but I am also worried to say nothing...

chris

7 years ago

i dnt know why im in a mood everyday i need help or i will end up with nothing anymore so if theres any help out there this is my e.mail address chris.phillips54@yahoo.com

dylan simko

7 years ago

idk but is this Bipolar?

when i hate my life

wher i hate my mom and i thenk (i am pritty shere she dose) she hates me to

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